USAID Reaffirms Support and Assistance to Yemen During Historic Transition

USAID Associate Administrator Mark Feierstein visits Al-Rawadhah hospital, where USAID supported the rehabilitation of a number of health units including the operating theater, provided medical equipment and supplies, and trained staff in best practices.

USAID

USAID Associate Administrator Mark Feierstein visits Yemen

For Immediate Release

Sunday, December 8, 2013

SANA’A, YEMEN – This week the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Associate Administrator (AA), Mark Feierstein traveled to Yemen to announce a $21.5 million assistance package and reaffirm the United States’ continuing support and assistance to the country during its historic political transition. Accompanying AA Feierstein, Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Middle East Bureau Alina Romanowski returned to Yemen for her second time this year, reinforcing the importance of USAID’s engagement in Yemen and its commitment to a successful transition.

The $21.5 million in assistance will be used to expand the success of ongoing USAID projects in education, health, and agriculture. The additional funding brings USAID's total assistance to Yemen in 2013 to over $176 million, the largest amount USAID has ever provided to Yemen in one year. Of the funds, $4.8 million will amplify the successful Early Grade Reading program accredited by the Ministry of Education and further school rehabilitation efforts; $11.7 million will expand health programs; and almost $5 million will be used for agricultural activities.

In a meeting with Yemeni President Hadi, Assistant Administrator Feierstein reaffirmed the need to move forward on critical economic and political reforms. Mr. Feierstein also noted the importance of the long-standing relationship between the United States and Yemen saying, “these funds are helping Yemen build a brighter future and we are proud to be a part of its success.”

The visit of the USAID delegation to Yemen also included meetings with the National Dialogue Secretariat, Yemeni entrepreneurs, and local women leaders as well as site visits to USAID-supported projects, including a recently rehabilitated hospital and the new data center for the Supreme Commission for Elections and Referendums.